When the past enters a present relationship
Trauma and PTSD by video across California.
When Past Experiences Affect Relationships
You may notice that trust, closeness or conflict brings up reactions that feel difficult to understand. Perhaps you connect those experiences with something in your past, or you are unsure how the pieces fit.
This page cannot determine the cause. Shoreline's trauma service offers individual support where you can explore your own experience with a clinician rather than diagnose yourself or a partner from an article.
Maybe this sounds familiar
01
Closeness brings mixed feelings.
02
Conflict feels hard to understand afterward.
03
You want support for your own patterns.
04
You are unsure which therapy format fits.
01 · Understand
Keep your experience at the center
You can describe what happens for you in a particular interaction: what you notice, what feels difficult and what you wish were different. The clinician can ask further questions and discuss appropriate assessment or treatment.
It is not necessary to conclude that every relationship problem comes from trauma. Current circumstances, agreements and behavior also matter. A therapist can help you consider your situation without reducing it to a single explanation.
02 · Practice
Clarify individual and relationship work
Individual trauma care and couples therapy are different arrangements. You can ask which format fits the concern, how privacy works and whether coordination would be appropriate. One person's therapist does not automatically become the couple's therapist.
If the current relationship includes fear or control, raise that privately when discussing care. The website cannot assess safety, and joint therapy should not be assumed to be the right response. A direct fit conversation is important.
03 · Choose Your Next Step
Match the approach to the person
The trauma service includes Dina Abdelaal, Misty Goldenberg, Emily Chen, Aidé Merito and Holly Whitmore. A particular approach, language or area of experience may guide your questions, but suitability needs a direct clinical conversation.
Ask about pacing, assessment and how feedback is handled. You do not need to share details of traumatic experiences in an ordinary web form. The consultation can establish the appropriate process for further information.
A therapist who fits you
These clinicians offer the related service. Availability and the right approach for your situation are part of the consultation.
Holly Whitmore
MA, LMFT
Gottman couples therapy and IFS
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Emily Chen
AMFT
EFT, attachment and inner child work
View profile
Misty Goldenberg
AMFT
EMDR, perinatal and couples work
View profile
Nicola Loretto
MA, AMFT
Grief, identity and Gottman couples work
View profile
Dina Abdelaal
AMFT
Trauma and PTSD, in English and Spanish
View profile
Aidé Merito
AMFT, APCC
Teens, identity and trauma, in English and Spanish
View profileFees in brief
We are in network with Aetna (PPO and EPO plans only), Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Optum and Blue Shield of California. Not every clinician is in network with every plan.
Seeing someone out of network? We provide superbills you can submit for reimbursement.
Rates and insuranceLicensed therapist
$180
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Associate therapist
$150
per telehealth session
For adults, couples, children or families
Questions before you begin
Can a therapist diagnose my partner from what I tell them?
An individual therapist works with you and the information available in your care. Do not expect a diagnosis or treatment of someone who has not participated in an appropriate assessment.
How do I ask about this service?
Tell the practice the broad kind of support you are seeking, your language preference and whether you have a clinician in mind. Fit, availability and any fee or insurance arrangement need to be confirmed before an appointment.
A small first step
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation to discuss provider fit, availability and the next step. Keep personal and health details out of an ordinary website inquiry. Ongoing sessions are offered by video within California.
Explore Trauma and PTSD
Make room for a different conversation
Start with a free 15 minute phone consultation. We'll help you consider provider fit and next steps.